Xi Jinping Throws Down the Gauntlet on Reform of International System

At a special session of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party on Oct. 12 called to discuss the issue of global governance, President Xi Jinping called for a major reform of the system of global governance, reported Xinhua Tuesday. Reform is necessary in order for China to play a greater role in global governance, Xi said, and international organizations must reform in order to reflect the significance of emerging markets and developing countries. Reform is “an irresistible trend,” Xi said, and reform at the global level is about “laying down rules for the international order and international mechanisms” as well as “deciding in which direction the world will head.”

Xi said the rise of developing nations like China, has brought about “revolutionary changes” to the world order and that it was now necessary that the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, for example, should undertake reforms to fully reflect the needs and interests of emerging markets. “It is not simply a case of competing for the high ground of economic development, but of what roles and functions nations will play in the long-term systemic arrangement of the international order.”

“Today, more than at any time before, countries need to negotiate,” Xi said. “Problems are not limited within borders, and challenges cannot be handled by any one country alone.” He cited China’s coordination of the One Belt, One Road regional trade and infrastructure network and its proposal for a new, more cooperative model of major-country relations as examples of a focus on common interest.

Xi stressed “resolutely safeguarding” the international order and a system centered on the UN Charter principles, as well as “safeguarding and consolidating” the benefits that resulted from the victory in World War II. “The purposes and principles of the UN Charter are not dated,” Xi said, adding that the fact that they have not been effectively implemented is to blame for rivalries and injustices today.

Xi also called for upholding an open world economic regime and “taking a clear-cut stand against” trade and investment protectionism, a not-so-subtle critique of the recently negotiated TPP, characterized by Global Times as a regime of British-style “imperial preferences.” Xi said China should defend its own interests as well as the common interests of developing countries, and focus not only on its needs as it develops, but also on the expectations the international community places on China. He urged efforts to build a “community of common destiny” and to promote global governance featuring mutual consultation, efforts, and sharing.